Major Setback on Road to Renewables - CELA Decries Ontario Government Cancellation of 1000 MW of Renewable Energy Procurement

The Canadian Environmental Law Association reacted today to news that the Ontario government is cancelling 1000 MW of renewable electricity procurement. “With the cost of renewables at an all-time low and decreasing, this decision halts Ontario’s progress toward a 100% renewable future,” said Jacqueline Wilson, CELA Counsel.

The Ontario government is purporting to consult the public about the next Long Term Energy Plan but has now:

Announced the un-needed and unsafe intention to run the Pickering nuclear plant to 2024;

Cancelled 1000 MW of green renewable power procurement;

Continued with its costly plans to refurbish Darlington nuclear and Bruce nuclear.

“These decisions by the Ontario government call into question the point of the government’s plans to consult the public on the electricity generation mix this fall,” said Ms. Wilson.

“CELA is enormously disappointed with today’s announcement,” said Theresa McClenaghan, Executive Director of CELA. “We will continue to press this government and all jurisdictions to make decisions that lead us to a fully renewable, clean, healthy energy future. Ontarians deserve to be in the vanguard of the innovation economy, and that will be built on renewable energy.”